Bristol Touch season opener

The opening day of the touch rugby summer league saw hints of seasonal temperatures as the weather perked up to welcome the teams to the Bristol Civil Service Sports ground.

There were 3 pitches in use although normally 4 see action on the Monday evenings. The pick of tonights matches was Pimms vs Sharks. Pimms won the league last year are were out to see if they could repeat their achievement this season.

Pimms got off the mark early with a try, wasting no time in cutting through the Sharks defence.

The Sharks replied instantly on the next trip down the pitch, pulling the score back to 1-1.

Each try in touch rugby is worth one point, with 6 touches or phases before the ball must be turned over to the other team. A game consists of two 20 minute halves, and teams must field at least two women for this mixed league.

Pimms pace proved incisive and it was not long before another try was scored by the team in black and red.

When it’s played well, touch rugby can be breathtaking to watch as a spectator. As a player if you can’t catch your breath, you can shout to come off as there are rolling subs in throughout the game.

At the half Pimms lead the Sharks 4-1.

As well as being effective going forward, Pimms defence was great. In attack, pace and good hands were their weapons. The Sharks passes occasionally went array, allowing Pimms to develop their next attack.

If the ball is dropped or hits the floor from and errant pass, possesion transfers to the other team.

Pimms players appeared to be on the same page when challenging the Sharks defence, and two more tries followed in quick succession.

Sharks finding it tough to breakdown the Pimms line with handling errors continuing to creep in. Pimms speed of attack was impressive, which stretched the Sharks often. Pimms found themselves in their opponents scoring area often, but sometimes got ahead of themselves and where unable to down the ball as a player who picks up the ball after a touch cannot run in for a try without passing the ball first.

Despite this Pimms went on to continue scoring, and the tie finished up 9-1 to the Pimms.

If Pimms carry one as they’ve started, they may be tough to beat this season.